Financial aid is money to help pay for college.  It comes from the federal and state governments, colleges and universities, banks and organizations.  Applying for financial aid is a separate process from applying for admission to a college.  You have to do both.

 

To receive financial aid, you must apply for it using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), www.fafsa.gov.  Colleges use the results of the FAFSA to create a financial aid package.  The FAFSA requires students to have a valid Social Security Number.  It can be filed by U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents (those with a green card), and some non-residents.  Please check the Federal Student Aid website to see if you are eligible.  Students granted refugee statuses are eligible to file the FAFSA.

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In 2021, the Department of Education made the FAFSA a

REQUIREMENT FOR GRADUATION! However, there is a waiver that can be signed if you wish to not fill out the FAFSA.  Ask your counselor how to get the waiver or visit the senior tab.

 

The FAFSA will be available to file on October 1, and students and parents should work together to fill the form out as quickly as possible. While the form is technically not due until the end of June, you’ll have a better chance of receiving financial aid if you fill out the form as soon as it becomes available. That’s because a lot of schools and states provide financial aid on a first come, first serve basis.  Schools are allotted a set amount of financial aid and when that aid has been issued, no additional money is available.  Also, you can file before being accepted to any college.

 

In 2018, the Department of Education rolled out a big change that will help busy, on-the-go families file quickly and successfully. NASFAA reports that beginning in October, students will be able to file the financial aid application from their phone with the new FAFSA mobile app.  There are some limitations to filling out on your phone but, still, it make the process a bit easier.  Download the app and check it out.